In a shocking development, the Grammy-winning singer, Lizzo was accused of sexual harassment and weight-shaming by three former backup dancers who have come forward with their allegations.
The dancers filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles, claiming that the singer created a hostile work environment through sexual, racial, and religious harassment over a span of two years, from 2021 to 2023.
The lawsuit accuses Lizzo, whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson, of engaging in sexual harassment and subjecting her dancers to uncomfortable situations.
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The Champion Of Body Positivity And Self-Love, Lizzo Was Accused Of Sexual Harassment
According to the plaintiffs – Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez – Lizzo allegedly pressured one dancer to touch a nude performer during a club event in Amsterdam.
Moreover, the suit alleges that the singer berated and fired a dancer for recording a meeting.
The accusations are particularly surprising given that Lizzo is known for advocating body positivity and self-love.
However, the lawsuit claims that she was weight-shaming a dancer recently, contradicting her public stance on body acceptance.
The dancers further allege that Lizzo subjected them to an “excruciating” 12-hour audition after falsely accusing them of drinking while working.
Adding to the gravity of the allegations, Lizzo’s dance captain, Shirlene Quigley, has been accused of pushing her Christian beliefs on other performers and denigrating those who engaged in premarital sex.
Although it is not explicitly stated in the lawsuit whether Lizzo was aware of Quigley’s alleged behavior, the plaintiffs believe she might have known about complaints against Quigley.
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The lawsuit comprises allegations of sexual harassment, the establishment of a hostile work environment, false imprisonment, and interference with a prospective economic advantage against Lizzo.
The lawsuit has left many stunned, given Lizzo’s reputation as a champion of body positivity and empowerment.
Her management team has been accused of treating performers in a manner that contradicts her public image, which, according to the plaintiffs’ lawyer, Ron Zambrano, is both illegal and demoralizing.
Among the disturbing incidents detailed in the lawsuit is an episode at an Amsterdam club where Lizzo allegedly encouraged cast members to touch nude performers and participate in explicit acts, causing discomfort and humiliation to the dancers involved.
The three dancers who filed the lawsuit – Davis, Williams, and Rodriguez – have had their careers intertwined with Lizzo’s.
Davis and Williams joined Lizzo’s performances after participating in the dance competition show Watch Out for the Big Grrrls, which the singer hosts for Amazon.
The suit outlines how Williams was fired after speaking up in a meeting where Lizzo accused dancers of drinking before performances.
Davis faced an “excruciating” 12-hour rehearsal the day after Lizzo announced that the dancers would have to audition again, causing her such distress that she soiled her pants.
The allegations against Lizzo have had a significant impact on the dancers’ careers and emotional well-being.
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Davis claims she was fired in 2023 after Lizzo questioned her “commitment,” which she perceived as a veiled criticism of her weight.
Rodriguez quit her position due to the treatment she received from her teammates and Quigley’s intense religious proselytizing, which was allegedly ignored by management.
Lizzo’s representatives have not issued any immediate comments in response to the allegations.
As the lawsuit unfolds, many are left questioning how these accusations will affect Lizzo’s career, given her previous stance as an advocate for body positivity and self-love.
Despite the controversy, Lizzo has continued her tour throughout 2023, covering North America, Europe, Oceania, and Asia.
The recent leg of her tour in Australia has been described as full of “spectacular, celebratory joy” by critics.
However, with the severity of the allegations now brought against her, it remains to be seen how the public and the entertainment industry will respond to Lizzo’s ongoing tour and future endeavors.
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